FINDING PURPOSE IN THE AFTERMATH OF FUKUSH1MA DAI-ICHI

摘要

Last year's events in Japan have led to introspection in the nuclear power sector and have resulted in some obvious conclusions: we need to clearly understand the frequency and severity of natural events such as earthquakes and tsunamis; ensure nuclear plants can withstand prolonged station blackouts; and, clarify the safety limits of plant design. But there other, less glaring issues that also need to be revisited. These aren't specifically tied to physical aspects of nuclear plants. Instead they have more to do with how accidents, and their aftermath, are managed. The accident at Fukushima Dai-ichi has highlighted the tension among competing interests for managing public safety, minimizing public disruption, and limiting environmental and economic impacts. We need to heed the lessons it has provided. This would allow us to find purpose in its aftermath.